What is a dermatologic surgeon?

Part of a progressive medical subspecialty, ASDS member dermatologists perform medically necessary and cosmetic procedures to improve the health, function and beauty of skin through every stage of life.

From forehead furrows to frown lines…

Performing more than 5 million cosmetic procedures each year, ASDS member dermatologists offer many treatments that are less intense, safer and have quicker recovery times than ever before.

1.5 million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer every year

Any suspicious new growths or changes should be examined by a dermatologist immediately. ASDS member dermatologists are trained to select the best treatment choice based on the individual patient.

Chemical peels improve the appearance of aging skin by using
a chemical solution to remove the outer layer of old skin. The new skin that
replaces it is usually smoother and less wrinkled in appearance. During the
procedure, patients may experience a burning sensation lasting five to 10
minutes. Cold compresses may be applied to lessen the pain. Pain medication may
be required for deeper peels.

Why choose chemical peels for aging skin

Chemical peel procedures typically are used on the face,
neck and hands. Fair-skinned and light-haired patients are better candidates
for the procedure. Chemical peels can be used to treat:

Fine lines around the mouth and under the eyes

Wrinkles

Mild scarring

Age spots

Sun damage

The overall look and feel of skin

Possible risks

Temporary or permanent change in skin color, particularly
for women on birth control pills, who subsequently become pregnant or have a
history of brownish facial discoloration.Scarring.Reactivation of cold sores.

Estimated cost

The average cost for chemical peel is between $450 and $588.
Costs can vary depending on size and location of the procedure. Since most
insurance companies consider chemical peels a cosmetic procedure, the treatment
usually isn’t covered.

How to prepare for the procedure

Before the procedure, you and your ASDS dermatologist should
discuss expectations, potential risks and outcomes of the procedure. You also should:

Discuss your aging skin condition and your treatment goals
in order to determine the depth of chemical peel.Reveal any history of scarring, persistent cold scores or
facial X-rays.Avoid any medications or supplements that can affect blood
clotting – such as aspirin, ibuprofen or vitamin E – for 10 days before surgery.Avoid using medications such as Retin-A, Renova or glycolic
acid.Determine in advance whether you will need to have someone
drive you home following the procedure.

What to expect after the procedure

Afterward, patients experience a reaction similar to
sunburn in the treatment area. Patients may experience:

Redness, followed by scaling within three to seven days.

Swelling.

Blisters that will crust, turn brown and peel off within seven
to 14 days following medium and deep peels.

Bandages over treated areas for several days.

Chemical peel patients should avoid the sun for several
months following a procedure.

Light peels may be repeated in one- to four-week intervals.
Medium-depth peels may be repeated every six to 12 months.

Find a doctor for your chemical peel treatment

Visit “Find a dermatologic surgeon” and choose “Chemical
Peels” from the dropdown menu. In 2013, ASDS dermatologists performed nearly 517,000 chemical
peel procedures, up from 414,000 in 2012. Because ASDS dermatologists are trained in a variety of the best and
latest techniques, they are the most qualified to evaluate and select the best
treatment choice based on the individual patient’s condition.

ASDS is recognized as the premier specialty group representing dermatologists performing all procedures – cosmetic, general, reconstructive and Mohs. ASDS members are experts in treating skin and soft tissue with surgical and non-surgical methods.